World Music Celebrations: Easter

Hanácké kraslice, a traditional way of decorating Easter eggs with straw in the region of Haná, the Czech Republic.

Jan Kameníček
/ Wikimedia Commons

Each week on World Music (Saturday nights from 8-10 on KSTX 89.1 FM), I take a look at celebrations happening around the world. This weekend, Christians around the world celebrate Easter as a sacred Holy Day as well as with a little fun.

BUNNY HOPPING

It may not sound gripping, but it can be addictive to watch a rabbit hopping competition. It started in Sweden and spread to other Scandinavian countries (such as Denmark, where the below video comes from), then Britain, Canada, and eventually the United States. Back in the late seventies when someone had the bright idea, that if you can teach horses to jump, why not those natural jumpers, rabbits? Initially, the rules governing rabbit jumping were the same as horse jumping, but over the years they have been finessed to suit the animal. So, if you find yourself at a loose end some weekend, and the rabbit looks bored in his hutch, strap on a harness and take it for a romp around the house. He or she could well be the next world champion bunny jumper.

SCOPPIO DEL CARO

Do you anticipate attending a religious ceremony on Easter Sunday? What might you expect? I guarantee it will pale in comparison with the explosive event held in Florence, Italy. Whilst the 'Gloria' is sung, the presiding Cardinal ignites a fuse wire linked to an edifice which is erected on a five hundred-year-old cart that has been pulled into the piazza by a team of white oxen. The lit fuse wire reaches the contraption, which has been loaded with all kinds of flammable materials and fireworks. Needless to say, the explosion which follows is greeted with cheers. The outcome of the ceremony is that the harvest will be abundant, business will be good and general stability will be maintained. I have to wonder, what would happen if there was no Scoppio del Carro?

You can hear more about these and other celebrations happening around the world this and every Saturday on World Music with Deirdre Saravia, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on KSTX 89.1 FM.